Large pickups should stay off Central Avenue

Mary Jane Barret’s comment in the July 23 Pilot was spot on. I agree that our Whitefish city managers and business owners have done a superb job of refurbishing our charming and historic Montana railroad town, particularly Central Avenue.

The style and layout are absolutely delightful for both locals and tourists, and I certainly agree that trashing our streets and sidewalks is deplorable.

Prohibition of smoking indoors was a major step forward for Whitefish; however, since smokers apparently believe that there’s no problem with smoking, they also think that cigarette butts (occasionally beer cans too) evaporate. Now they smoke outside, leaving their trash on our lovely sidewalks, a real problem.

But we have a much more serious problem. The current pattern of parking on Central Avenue creates a significant problem, my major concern for our citizens.

Parking long wheelbase vehicles, typically large pickup trucks, on Central is the problem.

When we park on the right side of these large vehicles, backing our vehicles out of the parking place is a distinct hazard. We can’t see to check for oncoming vehicles, especially when in a compact sedan, until our car completely crosses our right hand lane. We must back out very slowly and hope that approaching drivers are paying attention.

I suggest that new parking regulations be put in place for Central. Most importantly, it should be illegal to park a vehicle on Central with any rear portion of that vehicle projecting beyond the street side margin of the concrete trough, which separates the asphalt o the parking spaces and the street.

Those who violate this law should be ticketed. Drivers of these large vehicles can easily park a block or two away, especially where parallel parking is available. To be considerate of others, drivers of somewhat smaller, but still large vehicles which project beyond the parking side margin of the trough, should also park elsewhere.

Although it may negatively impact the business of local body shops, I sincerely hope that you, our City Council, will address this issue.

— Paul Carpenter, Whitefish